Habs Look to Regain Composure, Focus

Perhaps the most eloquent statement on the Montreal Canadiens’ unravelling playoffs came from the dispirited fan who hurled his vintage jersey onto the ice at the conclusion of a grim 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.

Few and hardy are the supporters who believe they will see NHL hockey at the Bell Centre before next October.

But professional athletes are paid to be optimistic, and so the Canadiens headed to Washington yesterday with their thoughts focused on how to overcome a 3-1 series disadvantage tonight against the Capitals, and knowing the franchise has done just that as recently as 2004 against the Boston Bruins.